OP-ED: Ohio Steps Up in Fight Against Opioid Epidemic

The starting point for addiction tends to be prescription opioids. I am excited and hopeful as protection against misuse or diversion of prescription opioids is coming soon to Ohio.

As a result of a provision we passed in the biennial budget, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services announced it will operate a two-year pilot program under which all Schedule II controlled substances, which are primarily opioid painkillers, will be dispensed by participating pharmacies in lockable or tamper-evident containers. As Ohio is ground zero for the nation’s opioid epidemic, I’m proud of my colleagues for supporting this in the budget and making our state a leader in combating the opioid crisis.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, there has been a huge increase in opioid, and other drug-related deaths.  A new report from the CDC showed that Ohio saw an estimated 22% increase in overdose deaths in 2020 compared to 2019. The same study also projects Ohio will report 5,215 drug deaths for last year, which is more than 14 Ohioans a day and the fourth highest total in the country.

That’s why my colleagues and I, along with leaders from the Governor’s Office and public health professionals throughout Ohio, fought hard to secure funding for this innovative pilot program.  Lockable vials stop the opioid epidemic at its source – the family medicine cabinet. 75% of teen prescription drug abuse is a result of easy access to opioids at home (Partnership for Drug-Free Kids). The use of lockable containers is a common sense and proven way to control access to dangerous prescription medication.

As a former Cincinnati police officer, ensuring public safety will always be one of my top priorities. Law enforcement officers see the devastation of addiction on daily basis while patrolling and protecting our communities. Addiction not only affects the addict, it affects everyone around them.

Some Ohioans have experienced anxiety and isolation related to quarantines, jobs loss and other stressors. These stressors affect vulnerable populations, some of which led to an increase in substance abuse and behavioral health problems. 

The pilot program will evaluate the effectiveness of lockable vials as a low-cost, highly effective early intervention strategy to prevent pilfering and accidental misuse of drugs in the home, which subsequently improves public health outcomes and lowers the cost of care. 

I am proud that Ohio is taking a proactive step forward in the prevention arena. If we can just save one life from opioid addiction, this pilot program will be worth it!